Vibrating exercise apparatus

ABSTRACT

An exercise device has a motor rotating an eccentric weight to cause a vibration. The motor is powered by a power source external to the exercise device and has at least one handle is sized and configured to be gripped by a user for exercise. A pair of opposing end frames are connected to the motor on opposite ends of the motor with the handle extending between the end frames in a straight line of sufficient length so a user can grab the handle with both hands at once. The handle optionally extends beyond the end frames so weights can be added thereto. A speed control is connected to the motor to vary the vibration speed. A first connector is fastened to the device and configured to releasably fasten to a flexible member which is preferably connected to a variable resistance such as a weight stack. Thus, a portable vibrating handle can be connecting to existing exercise devices to provide vibrational exercise. A second connector allows the portable device to be interposed between the handle and the adjustable resistance of the exercise device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e), ofapplication Ser. No. 60/874,461, filed Dec. 12, 2006, the contents ofwhich are incorporated herein by reference.

STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND

Vibrating platforms are used for exercise because the vibration providesneuromuscular stimulation that results in increased blood flow,flexibility, muscle fiber contractions. Existing vibrating strengthplatforms are fixed in position and the person using the vibratingplatform has to perform exercise movements with respect to the machine.Vibrating platforms are expensive. Some specific vibrating dumbbells areknown, but they are limited to specific dumbbell type exercises, arebattery powered and are not readily usable with other exerciseequipment. Exercise equipment exists having eccentric motors mounted tolarge exercise devices to vibrate the cable between the user and theweights, but that limits the portability of the equipment and types ofequipment to which the vibration can be applied. An improved exerciseapparatus is thus needed, especially an apparatus to allow the user toengage in vibration exercise while performing free body movements inspace.

BRIEF SUMMARY

A portable electric motor with an offset or eccentric weight is poweredby a 110 volt current. A speed control varies the vibration frequency. Aframe holds opposing ends of the motor and one or two handles for theuser to grab for exercise. A connector, such as a loop, hook or eyeletis provided that releasably engages a rope, cable or chain thattypically passes over one or more pulleys fastened to a variableresistance device such as adjustable springs or a variable frictionalresistance or an adjustable stack of weights. More than one connectorcan be used to interpose the entire portable vibrating device along alength of a flexible cable, etc. The handle can be short, like adumbbell, or elongated for use as a barbell or lifting bar.Advantageously, two eyelet connectors are located on opposing sides ofthe device, preferably 180° apart on the vibrating frame or the housing,so any exercise resistance device can be connected to one eyelet and anystyle exercise handle or strap can be connected to the other connector.

There is thus advantageously provided a portable exercise device havinga motor rotating an eccentric weight to cause a vibration below about200 Hz with an amplitude of about 3 mm to 8 mm with an amplitude of 5 mmbeing preferred. The motor is powered by a power source external to theexercise device. At least one handle is sized and configured to begripped by a user for exercise. A pair of opposing end frames areconnected to the motor on opposite ends of the motor with the handleextending between the end frames in a straight line of sufficient lengthso a user can grab the handle with both hands at once. The handleoptionally extends beyond the end frames so weights can be addedthereto. The exercise device also has a speed control connected to themotor to vary the vibration speed, and a connector fastened to thedevice and configured to releasably fasten to a flexible member.

In further variations, this portable exercise device has weightsreleasably fastened to opposing ends of the handle. Further, the motoris preferably electrically powered and there can be two handles locatedon opposing sides of the exercise device. Additionally, a speed controlis connected to the motor to vary the vibration. In further variations,there are two connectors on opposing sides of the exercise device, andthe connectors optionally comprise a separate part threadably connectedto the exercise device.

There is also provided a portable exercise device having an elongatedbarbell bar with gripping areas configured to be grabbed by weightlifters. An electric motor is fastened to the bar, with the motor havingan eccentric weight thereon to vibrate the bar. The motor is connectedto the bar to vibrate the bar as the eccentric rotates. The motor ispowered by a power source external to the exercise device, with anelectrical power source and electric motor being preferred, andpneumatic power being one alternative.

In further variations, the portable exercise device has the bar passingthrough the motor. Further, opposing ends of the bar can be configuredto receive removable weights, and thus there can also be at least oneweight on each opposing end of the bar. Moreover, the motor ispreferably an electric motor connected to a variable speed control.

The portable exercise device preferably includes an electric power cordconnected to a variable speed control and to an electric motor.Preferably, but optionally, the motor is contained in a housing with endframes connecting the housing to the bar. The exercise device canfurther optionally include a connector connected to the motor housing orend frames, the connector adapted to releasably connect to a flexiblemember. The connector preferably, but optionally, comprises one of ahook, eyelet, or U-shaped connector. In any of the above embodimentshaving a connector, a spring can be connected to one of the connector,or to a flexible member that is connected to the connector, to provide asofter resistance.

There is also advantageously provided a method for exercising using anexercise machine having an adjustable resistance connected to a flexiblemember that is also connected to a handle which a user grabs to exert aforce against the adjustable resistance. The method includes providing amotor rotating an eccentric to cause vibration, where the motor ispowered by a power source external to the handle. The method furtherincludes fastening the motor to the handle so the vibration from theeccentric vibrates the handle. In further variations, the method uses ahandle that is connected to a connector which releasably connects to theflexible member. Moreover, the motor is preferably, but optionallyplaced in a housing having end frames which are fastened to the handleand the flexible member is connects to the housing or an end frame. Infurther variations, the motor is cylindrical and the handle comprises anelongated bar, with the bar passing through the motor and the eccentricrotating around the bar. Advantageously, the bar has opposing endsadapted to releasably fasten to weightlifting weights, and weights canbe placed on that bar. Moreover, there can also be two connectors placedon opposing sides of the portable exercise device so the device can beinterposed along a length of a flexible member. Advantageously, the twoconnectors are placed on opposing sides of the housing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features and advantages of the various embodimentsdisclosed herein will be better understood with respect to the followingdescription and drawings, in which like numbers refer to like partsthroughout, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a front plan view of a hand held vibrating exercise devicewith a single handle and a U-shaped connector;

FIG. 2 is a right side plan view of the exercise device of FIG. 1, withthe left side being substantially a mirror image thereof except for apower cord;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the device of FIG. 2

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a portable vibrating exercise deviceapplied to barbells;

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of the exercise device of FIG. 1 used with afirst variable resistance device;

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of the exercise device of FIG. 1 used with asecond variable resistance device;

FIG. 7 is a front plan view of the exercise device of FIG. 1 with twohandles;

FIG. 8 is a right side plan view of the device of FIG. 7, with the leftside view being a mirror image thereof except for the addition of apower cord;

FIG. 9 is a side plan view of the exercise device of FIG. 1 connected toa flexible tension member of an exercise device having a pulley andusing an elastic member;

FIG. 10 is a side plan view of the exercise device of FIG. 1 connectedto an elastic member;

FIG. 11 is a side plan view of the exercise device of FIG. 1 without ahandle and connected to two elongated members through the end frame; and

FIG. 12 is a side plan view of the exercise device of FIG. 1 without ahandle and connected to two elongated members connected to the housing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, the portable exercise device 18 has a motor 20with a shaft 22 having an eccentric 24 at one or both ends of the shaft.The motor 20 is electrically powered through cord 26 connected to acontrol box 28 that varies the rotational frequency of rotation of motor20. The cord 26 plugs in to a wall outlet, e.g., a 110 volt outlet. Themotor 20 is preferably mounted to a housing, typically cylindrical,having at least one mounting flange 42. The motor mounting flange 42 isfastened to exercise frame 32 having opposing end frames 34 a, 34 b andhandle 36. The motor 20 is preferably, but optionally enclosed withinhousing 38 that is preferably cylindrical and extends between theopposing and optionally parallel end frames 34 a, 34 b. The motor can befastened various ways to the motor frame 32 but preferably the motor 20is held between end frames 34 a, 34 b. In the illustrated embodiment,bolts 40 fasten the flange(s) 42 on the end of the motor 20 to one orpreferably both, of the end frames 34 a, 34 b using threaded fastenerssuch as nuts 41.

Preferably, but optionally, shaft the handle 36 comprises a shaft thatextends through the end frames 34 a, 34 b so that weights W can befastened onto the shaft by releasable fasteners 45, known in the art.The wrights are preferably fastened on the outer or exterior side of theend frames 34 a, 34 b. The device 18 is a portable device as a singleuser can lift the device, typically using a single hand. The device 18weights under 10 pounds, advantageously under 5 pounds, and preferablyunder 3 pounds. Weights W are added as desired.

Fastened to the frame 32 is a connector 44. In the illustratedembodiment, the connector 44 is a U-shaped piece of metal with opposingends fastened to the housing 38, preferably using threaded fasteners inthe ends of the legs of the U-shaped connector 44. Advantageously, butoptionally, the connector 32 is fastened opposite the handle 36. Theconnector 44 is large enough and sturdy enough so that exercise loads(several hundred pounds) can be applied to the connector 44 and exercisedevice 18. The connector 44 is preferably a separable item which can beremoved from the exercise device 18 or added thereto, but it couldcomprise an opening formed in one or both of the end frames 34.

In use, electrical power is applied to the motor 20 causing it tovibrate. A user can lift the device 18 as it vibrates. The motor 18 andframe 32 typically weigh several pounds. If additional weight isdesired, various weights W can be fastened to the shaft 36 usingreleasable fasteners 45. The amount of vibration can be varied using thecontrol 28 to adjust the frequency of the vibration. Optionally, theamount of offset on eccentric 24, or the mass of the eccentric 24 can beadjusted to vary the amplitude of vibration for a given frequency.

As desired, the user can attach the exercise device 18 to other exercisesystems using the connector 44. For example, referring to FIGS. 5-6, theconnector 44 can be fastened to the end of a flexible member 48 such asa cable or rope on a weight stack. Because the vibration is provided bythe motor 20 connected to the handle 36, a conventional or pre-existingstatic weight bench can be converted into a vibrating weight bench. Thevibration is believed to provide improved muscle development compared tonon-vibrating systems.

Referring to FIG. 7-8, the end frames 34 a, 34 b extend on oppositesides of shaft 36 and attach to a second handle 36 b, with handles 36 a,36 b located on opposite sides of motor 20. The connector 40 is againpreferably, but optionally fastened to the housing 38, preferably at themiddle and in a plane perpendicular to the plane containing handles 36.In this two-handle (or continuous handle) embodiment of exercise device18, the connector 44 can be attached to ropes, cables or other flexiblemembers 46 of exercise devices and used to provide vibration to thoseexercise devices. But as two spaced-apart handles 36 are provided, theuser can perform the exercise with two-spaced apart hand-grips.

Referring to FIG. 4, the exercise device 18 has an elongated throughshaft 36 to form a barbell, with the end frames 34 a, 34 b beingfastened to the shaft 36 and the handles 36 omitted. Alternatively, themotor 20 could be mounted on one side of the shaft 36, and if so it ispreferably, but optionally parallel to the shaft 36. The connector 44 isfastened to the housing 38, and through the end frames 34 a, 34 b isfastened to the shaft 36 to vibrate the shaft.

Still referring to FIGS. 4 and 6, the elongated handle, shaft or bar 36allows various exercises performed with both hands on a single bar, andallows vibration to be added to existing equipment connected to theconnector(s) 44. The motor 20 for this embodiment is preferablycylindrical so the handle 36 can pass through the motor, with theeccentric either encircling and rotating about the longitudinal axisalong handle 36 or alternatively, located completely to one side thereof(as, for example, by extending handle 36 in the embodiment of FIG. 1 andabutting housing 38 against the handle or placing the handle within thehousing). The motor housing 38 is preferably small, less than about 4-6inches in diameter, so that it reduces potential contact with a userlifting the handle or bar 36.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 5, two connectors 44 can be located on opposingsides of the exercising device 18 so the vibrating device 18 can beconnected to two flexible members 46 and thus added to any exercisesystem having a flexible member 46. The connectors 44 can be fastened tovarious portions of the device 18, including the end frames 34 a, 34 b,the handle(s) 36, or the housing 38.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 9-10, the connector 44 allows the portablevibrating exercise device 18 to be connected and used with anystationary exercise device to which the connector can be fastened. Anyexercise device having a flexible force member such as a rope, cable orchain 46 or pulley 49 can probably be used with the device 18. Thisincludes exercise devices used for rehabilitation which have an elasticmember 47 (e.g., a linear or torsion spring) interposed between thehandles(s) griped by the user and the exercise device itself. Such anelastic member is illustrated in FIG. 6, where a spring with stiffness Kcan be interposed along the length of the flexible member 46 connectedto handle 36.

In FIG. 9 the elastic member 47 is interposed between the vibratingdevice 18 and the exercise handle engaged by the user, with a pulley 49connecting to any variable weight stack or variable resistance device.Such variable weight and resistance devices are known and not describedin detail herein. In particular, first and second connectors 44 arefastened to the device 18, advantageously to opposing sides of thedevice 18 and preferably on opposing sides of either the housing 38(FIG. 1) or end frames 34. An elastic member 47 such as a spring, abungee cord, a rubber or elastomeric strip or other resilient or springymaterial has one end fastened to a first connector 44 and the other endfastened to an engageable device configured to be engaged by the personexercising, such as a handle, bar or foot stirrup engaged by the user.An intervening connector, such as a rope-climber's clip-hook or threadedcoupling can be used to fasten various types of engaging devices to thecouplings 44. The flexible member 46 of a variable resistance exercisedevice can be connected to the second connector 44, or alternatively,could be connected to the same connector 44 as the elastic member 47.second connector 44 on the FIG. 10 shows the portable, vibratingexercise device 18 grasped by user with an elastic member 47 interposedbetween the device 18 and a non-movable structure, such as a wall(shown) or floor (not shown). Specifically, one end of the elasticmember 47 fastens to an eyelet (or other engaging device) in the walland the other end of the member 47 fastens to the connector 44. Athreaded connector 51 of the type used by rope climbers is shown forillustration.

If the portable, vibrating exercise device 18 is interposed along alength of flexible member 46 then the handle 36 may be omitted and thehousing 38 configured to more efficiently transfer the forces in theflexible member 46 through the housing or through the end frames 34.Thus, as seen in FIGS. 11-12, the flexible member 46 (or elastic member47) could fasten to the end frame 34 (FIG. 11) (e.g., by holes in theend frame or fasteners attached thereto), or it could fasten toconnectors 44 on opposing sides of the housing 38, where the housingdoes not have a handle 36.

The control 28 preferably varies the speed at which the eccentric weightis rotated and thus varies the amount of vibration. The control 28 alsohas an on-off switch, preferably separate from the speed variation. In astill more preferred form, a simple on-off switch located within easyreach of the user is provided separate from the speed control. Theon-off switch could be provided without the speed control. The controls28 could be provided inside the housing 38 with appropriate on-off andspeed control dials and switches being accessible on the housing 28 orthe end frames 34 a, 34 b.

The motor 20 is described as an electric motor, but a pneumatic motorcould be used. The motor 20 advantageously rotates the eccentric 24 atspeeds of from 0 to about 80 Hz, more and preferably about 25-60 Hz,although any desired speed could be used. When used with one or moreelastic members, the vibrational frequency is preferably from 10-40 Hz.There are believed to be disadvantages if rotational speeds of theeccentric 24 exceed 200 rpm, as some literature indicates suchvibrational speeds may have undesirable effects on the users.

The motor 20 advantageously causes an amplitude of vibration of about 3mm to 8 mm with an amplitude of 5 mm being preferred. Variouscombinations of amplitude and frequency can be achieved using thecontrol 28. The amplitude at the motor 20 is preferably the same at thehandle, but in embodiments where an elastic member is interposed betweenthe motor and handle the amplitude at the handle will decrease.

Various motors 20 can be used. It is believed advantageous to useoff-the-shelf vibrators designed for vibrating hoppers etc, and modifythem for use as described herein. A motor made by Vibco for use invibrating bins or hoppers is believed suitable for use herein whenmodified to provide the connectors and other applications and featuresas described herein.

The above description is given by way of example, and not limitation.Given the above disclosure, one skilled in the art could devisevariations that are within the scope and spirit of the inventiondisclosed herein. For example, in the above described device variousshapes of frames could be devised, as could various ways of fastening aflexible member 42 to the device 18. Further, the various features ofthe embodiments disclosed herein can be used alone, or in varyingcombinations with each other and are not intended to be limited to thespecific combination described herein. Thus, the scope of the claims isnot to be limited by the illustrated embodiments.

1. A portable exercise device, comprising: a motor rotating an eccentricweight to cause a vibration below about 200 Hz with an amplitude ofabout 3 mm to 8 mm, the motor being powered by a power source externalto the device; at least one handle sized and configured to be gripped bya user for exercise; a pair of opposing end frames on opposite ends ofthe motor with the handle extending between the end frames in a straightline of sufficient length so a user can grab the handle with both handsat once, the handle extending beyond the end frames so weights can beadded thereto; a speed control connected to the motor to vary thevibration speed; and a first connector fastened to the device andconfigured to releasably fasten to a flexible member adapted to beconnected to a variable resistance device during use.
 2. (canceled) 3.(canceled)
 4. The portable exercise device of claim 1, wherein the powersource is electrical an electrical cord connects the speed control tothe motor.
 5. The portable exercise device of claim 1, wherein theconnector is a separate part threadably connected to the exercisedevice.
 6. The portable exercise device of claim 1, further comprisingan elastic member connected to the first connector or to a flexiblemember that is connected to the first connector.
 7. (canceled) 8.(canceled)
 9. (canceled)
 10. (canceled)
 11. A portable exercise device,comprising: an elongated barbell bar having gripping areas configured tobe grabbed by weight lifters; an electric motor fastened to the bar, themotor having an eccentric weight thereon to vibrate the bar, the motorconnected to the bar to vibrate the bar as the eccentric rotates, themotor being powered by a power source external to the exercise device.12. The portable exercise device of claim 11, wherein the bar passesthrough the motor.
 13. (canceled)
 14. The portable exercise device ofclaim 11, further comprising at least one weight on each opposing end ofthe bar.
 15. The portable exercise device of claim 11, furthercomprising an electric power connected to the motor which is an electricmotor.
 16. The portable exercise device of claim 11, further comprisingan electric power cord connected to a variable speed control and to themotor which is an electric motor.
 17. The portable exercise device ofclaim 11, further comprising a first connector connected to the portableexercise device, the first connector adapted to releasably connect to aflexible member.
 18. The portable exercise device of claim 11, whereinthe motor is contained in a housing with end frames connecting thehousing to the bar, and further comprising a first connector connectedto the motor housing or to the end frames, the first connector adaptedto releasably connect to a flexible member.
 19. The portable exercisedevice of claim 18, wherein the connector comprises one of a hook,eyelet, or U-shaped connector.
 20. (canceled)
 21. The portable exercisedevice of claim 17, further comprising a variable resistance exercisedevice connected to the first connector through a flexible member andfurther connected to a device engageable by a person exercisingconnected to the second connector.
 22. (canceled)
 23. (canceled) 24.(canceled)
 25. The portable exercise device of claim 17, furthercomprising a flexible member connected to the first connector and to avariable resistance exercise device.
 26. (canceled)
 27. (canceled) 28.(canceled)
 29. (canceled)
 30. (canceled)
 31. (canceled)
 32. (canceled)33. (canceled)
 34. (canceled)
 35. (canceled)
 36. (canceled) 37.(canceled)
 38. (canceled)
 39. (canceled)
 40. (canceled)
 41. (canceled)42. (canceled)
 43. A method for exercising, comprising: providing amotor rotating an eccentric to cause vibration, the motor having anelectric power cord with an electrical plug and having a variable speedcontrol; fastening the motor to a flexible member and to a deviceengageable by a person exercising so the motor vibrates the deviceengageable by the person and vibrates the flexible member as the motorrotates.
 44. The method of claim 43, wherein the device engageable bythe person is a handle connected by end frames to a housing for themotor.
 45. The method of claim 43, wherein the motor is in a housinghaving end frames which are fastened to a handle, with the flexiblemember fastened to the housing or an end frame.
 46. (canceled)
 47. Themethod of claim 43, further comprising an elastic member connected tothe flexible member.
 48. The method of claim 43, further comprising avariable resistance device connected to the flexible member.
 49. Themethod of claim 43, wherein the flexible member is fastened to anon-moving structure.